Head of Legal

The Head of Legal is responsible for providing strategic and operational legal leadership to Ecobank Liberia. The role ensures full compliance with local laws and regulations, Ecobank Group policies, and international banking standards while protecting the Bank's legal interests, minimizing legal risk, and supporting business growth through sound legal advice.

Legal Advisory & Strategic Support

·       Provide timely, accurate, and pragmatic legal advice to the Managing Director, Executive Management, Board Committees, and business units.

·       Support strategic initiatives, new products, partnerships, and transactions by identifying legal risks and proposing mitigation strategies.

·       Act as a trusted legal advisor on corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and banking legal matters.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

·       Ensure the Bank's operations comply with Liberian laws, Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) regulations, and Ecobank Group policies.

·       Liaise with regulators, external counsel, and government authorities on legal and regulatory matters.

·       Monitor changes in laws and regulations and advise management on their impact.

Contract Management

·       Review, draft, negotiate, and approve contracts, agreements, MOUs, SLAs, and other legal instruments.

·       Ensure contracts adequately protect the Bank's interests and comply with internal approval frameworks.

·       Maintain and oversee the Bank's contract management system.

Litigation & Dispute Management

·       Manage and oversee all litigation, disputes, and claims involving the Bank.

·       Coordinate with external legal counsel and ensure effective case management and cost control.

·       Provide regular updates on litigation exposure and potential reputational or financial risks.

Corporate Governance

·       Support the Board and Board Committees on governance matters, including preparation and review of Board papers, resolutions, and minutes where required.

·       Ensure adherence to Ecobank Group governance frameworks and best practices.

·       Advise on directors' duties, conflicts of interest, and corporate secretarial matters.

Risk Management & Internal Controls

·       Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.

·       Support Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) processes and internal audits from a legal perspective.

·       Implement legal controls in line with Ecobank Group Risk and Compliance standards.

People Management & Capacity Building

·       Lead, mentor, and develop the Legal function team.

·       Foster a culture of high ethical standards, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

·       Coordinate legal awareness and training sessions for staff across the Bank.

Requirements

Experience & Qualifications 

·       Bachelor of Laws (LLB); qualification as a Councillor-at-Law.

·       Membership in the Liberia National Bar Association (mandatory).

·       Postgraduate qualification in Law or relevant professional certification is an added advantage. 

·       Minimum 5-10 years post-qualification legal experience, preferably in banking, financial services, or a top-tier law firm.

·       Proven experience in regulatory compliance, litigation management, and commercial contracting.

·       Prior leadership or senior legal management experience is required.

Key Competencies & Skills

·       Strong knowledge of banking and financial services law

·       Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills

·       Sound judgment and high level of integrity

·       Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

·       Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

·       Strategic thinking with practical, business-focused solutions